Formerly Steve Wilkinson, I have a question for you?
 

I read your book. It was good light reading.
I own a coupe but wonder why you take jabs at targa's? I was hoping somewhere in the book you would address this.

Hippie Targa haters club?!!?!?!?!??
 

Drew, I am reading "Gold Plated-" right now too. (Kudos to my dad for buying it for me) I was wondering the same thing and decided to see if anyone else asked him about this, and just found this thread.

So I second the thought Steve: WTF??

By the way- FANTASTIC reading so far Wilkinson, great job!

I'm not Formerly Steve, but I'll take a guess at his response:

Targas are less structurally sound than coupes and exhibit more chassis flex and cowl shake.

Targas are noisier than coupes; wind noise, squeaks, rattles, etc.

Targas are prone to leak, causing all sorts of rust problems.

Targas forfeit the classic 911 roof line and side window profile.

Targas are basically a styling exercise that yield no positive benefits, unless you just like the way they look.

Well, I was just trying to rattle some cages. It was meant sort of tongue in cheek, though I truly do think Targas are an incredibly ugly misinterpretation of the classic 911 shape. And Wavey's comments are on the mark, though he's being more serious and knowledgeable than I ever intended to be. Frankly, I think of Targas as gold-chain cars. Oh, jeez, there I go rattling cages again...

Stephan

Oh well, Steve the books great.

Hey, I gave up my gold chains long ago. I'm left with spinners for wheels.

I just finished your book recently as well and I confess...I own a Targa! Love the top down driving, hate the wind noise and the pain I've recently gone through dealing with the seals. Guess I'm off to Big K for some Big Gold Chains. Ciao Baby...

They're Girly Man cars!

ditto, especially the 4th point

Well, they are also abit cheeper to buy and it is quite nice to drive with the roof off.
I do think the coupes are better looking.

Agreed. A sunroof is no substitute for a Targa top, or a Cab for that matter.

It's just Targa-envy... pure and simple ;)


-MAS

You've got that right. Funny thing is that even with those negatives listed above, I'm considering selling my '87 coupe when it's time to buy a Cayenne in two years. No way would I sell my targa unless I pick up another open top car to replace it.

I just finished the book myself and sort of enjoyed it. I thanked my wife for getting it for me. I bought the targa for one plain and simple reason, my wife wanted a targa. I had owned around 7 or 8 other 911's and never a targa before. I totally enjoy the top off driving. I don’t own a single gold chain, and I agree it’s not a classic look. Its just fun to drive with the top off especially in the evening. Should I bad mouth people just because they own SC's and not Carreras? (Just kidding)… I think it’s a lame jab at people who are all basically in the same category of enjoying these fine cars. I can see taking a jab at a crop of 996 owners, but if you’re pre 1999 then we’ve all got a lot more in common then not, fake Rolex aside.

And what’s with the jab about getting info off these BBS’s? I’ve enjoyed learning a lot off these boards when I have asked a serious question. Just like anything else on the web you have to take it with a grain of salt. I am sure all the people I talk to in the stock market room are not nearly as rich and good looking as they say they are. This board has been a fun place to learn more about my cars and meet other people that share that interest. I don’t see a reason to knock these places in a book.

This has been discussed 'til everyone is blue in the face. I am the first to agree that the coupe looks a little better, but the main positive benefit is the open air enjoyment. I haven't owned a car without a sunroof in over 10 years, and the removeable top is even better.

Using the term "less structurally sound" is going overboard a bit, they do flex. They are also heavier to make up for the lack of roof.

I also think all sorts of rust problems is a huge misnomer. I've got none on my '84, and there certainly are enough coupes out there with rust. Pre '76 were potential rust farms in all the Porsche models.

I don't think they're even very much heavier. The soft window targa is supposed to be the same weight as a contemporary coupe. Does anyone have weight numbers on the later cars, without simply adding the weight of the rear window (as this may not be valid for later cars)

What's so bad about gold chains?

Oh, oh, targa vs coupe, things can get ugly. I never understood the targa, nor would I ever buy one. I do trust the opinions of many targa owners on this board and don't think alienating them because you don't like the look of their car is needed. At least that is my opinion. Isn't it time for a cab owner to chime in?:D

the CGT is a Targa...

'nough said.

I'm glad Porsche made Targas. They make great parts cars for Coupes